A fresh legal battle has emerged in Abuja as lawyer Alexander Oketa has dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), its Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over an alleged illegal seizure of land.
Oketa, representing Jona Brothers Construction Limited and associates, accused the EFCC of undermining judicial authority by taking over a property already confirmed by multiple court rulings as belonging to his clients.
At the centre of the dispute is Plot 680–689, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, Abuja, which the EFCC reportedly handed over to Chief Michael Adeojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors, despite earlier judgments recognising Jona Brothers as the lawful owners.
In his suit, Oketa is seeking ₦500 million in damages, alongside a declaration that the EFCC’s intervention amounted to an abuse of power and violation of constitutional rights, including fair hearing and the right to own property as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
The lawyer cited several judgments backing his clients, including rulings by Justices Ibrahim Mohammed, S.U. Bature, Binta Mohammed, and an order by Justice Olajuwon of the Federal High Court, all affirming Jona Brothers’ ownership and restraining the EFCC from interfering.
He alleged that the EFCC and other respondents “took the law into their own hands” by disregarding these judgments and covertly obtaining an ex parte order to retake possession of the land for Adeojo.
Beyond financial damages, Oketa is asking the court to compel the Inspector-General of Police to provide security for his clients to ensure they can peacefully occupy the land.
According to him, the EFCC’s actions represent a “subversion of judicial authority” and a threat to the rule of law.
